Davis to remain at Middle Tennessee

Davis withdrew his name from consideration Monday and will remain with the Blue Raiders, according to a statement from Middle Tennessee’s Athletic Department.

Davis, a native of Leakesville, Miss., has agreed in principal to a two-year contract extension through the 2008-09 season. His new contract will be completed within the next week or two.

“Kermit is an excellent basketball coach and the right guy to continue to improve where we want to go — a conference championship and the NCAA Tournament,” Middle Tennessee Athletics Director Boots Donnelly said.

Davis became a candidate for the Southern Mississippi job after former coach James Greene resigned. He met several times with Southern Mississippi officials before withdrawing.

The Blue Raiders were 17-12 this season and earned a berth in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament semifinals. Davis has led Middle Tennessee to back-to-back winning seasons in his first two years.